JHS Junior Nigel Eastman Wins CASAC Video Contest – Watch His Video!

Chautauqua Alcoholism Substance Abuse Council (CASAC) recently announced that JHS Junior Nigel Eastman is the winner of their first Live Above the Influence Public Service Announcement Contest. Nigel won $500 and his video will be aired on the local Time Warner Cable YNN station. The contest, funded by CASAC and Chautauqua Tapestry, gave students across the county an opportunity to learn about media production by creating a positive television message.” Nigel’s video can be seen at http://www.casacweb.org/news/2013videocontest.shtml and at www.jamestownpublicschools.org.

According to Billie Jean Hubert, CASAC Associate Director, “The goal of the contest was for students to create a 30-second video by describing how ‘any influence that makes me less than me is not for me! I am above the influence!’ There were so many wonderful videos submitted to our contest but Nigel’s stood out as exceptional. We loved that Nigel presented a different viewpoint by only showing different feet and shoes to illustrate the concept that a wide variety of people can live above the influence. We were so impressed with his video.”

Nigel, who is a filmmaker, wanted to submit a video to not only test his skills but to also help out his local community.

“I wanted to help out a local organization that helps students,” said Nigel. “I purposely shot the video with no faces so that it could be ‘anyone.’ It lets people know that anyone can live above the influence no matter your background. “

The contest had 41 entries including 31 from the JHS VideoWorks program.

“It was a great real-life project for our students,” said JHS VideoWorks teacher Sam Qadri. “Students had to do pre- and post-production, develop a message and meet a real-world deadline.”

Placing second was Tyler Steklasa of Silver Creek Central School; third place was Connor Graves; fourth place was Nate Serio and Adam Klajbor; and fifth place was Meghan Gallivan, all of Silver Creek Central School. All submitted videos are now eligible to be entered into a national Above the Influence PSA video contest sponsored by the Partnership at Drugfree, previously a project of the Office of National Drug Policy.